A nurse is teaching a client who is newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and their family about newly prescribed medications for Alzheimer's disease. Which statement by the client indicates the teaching was effective?

A. "I need to walk slowly as I lose my balance often": This statement indicates a potential safety concern related to balance issues while walking. Loss of balance can increase the risk of falls, especially in individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who may already have compromised circulation and reduced sensation in their legs. The nurse should report this statement to the provider for further evaluation and intervention to prevent falls and promote safety.

B. "I don't go out much because of the pain in my legs" : While this statement suggests that the client experiences pain in their legs, it does not directly indicate a safety concern that requires immediate reporting to the provider. Pain management strategies may be discussed with the provider to address this issue.

C. "It makes me sad that I can't keep up with my grandchildren" : While this statement reflects emotional distress related to the client's inability to participate fully in activities with their grandchildren, it does not indicate a specific safety concern that requires reporting to the provider. However, addressing the client's emotional well-being is important for overall holistic care.

D. "I have a small-healed area on my spine that is painful" : This statement describes a painful area on the client's spine but does not directly relate to potential safety concerns associated with PAD. The nurse may further assess this issue and include it in the client's overall assessment, but it does not require immediate reporting to the provider for safety concerns related to PAD.

Answer: C. "I am not worried. This sort of thing happens all the time to us 'old people.'"

A. "I brought an updated list of all the medications he takes at home to help you and the doctors determine what the cause of this could be."
This response indicates understanding and proactive involvement in the client’s care. An updated medication list is crucial in evaluating potential causes of delirium, as certain medications or interactions can contribute to changes in mental status.

B. "I notified our family members that they should not come visit for a while, until they are better."
This statement reflects an understanding of the need for a calm environment for the client experiencing delirium. Reducing stimuli and visitors can help the client focus on recovery. It indicates the spouse is aware of the potential impact of social interactions on the client’s condition.

C. "I am not worried. This sort of thing happens all the time to us 'old people.'"
This response indicates a need for further teaching. It reflects a possible misunderstanding of delirium as a normal part of aging, which can be dismissive of the seriousness of the condition. Delirium is often a sign of underlying medical issues and should be treated with concern and urgency. Clients and their families need to understand that delirium is not a typical or benign occurrence and requires appropriate evaluation and intervention.

D. "I am trying to stay positive. I know that most people return to normal, but it is hard to see them like this."
This statement indicates a hopeful attitude while acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. It shows understanding that recovery is possible and reflects the spouse's emotional processing of the situation. Maintaining a positive outlook can be beneficial for both the client and the family during recovery.